Published 11:14 am, Friday, April 20, 2018

ANSONIA — Whether he’s showing new parents how to properly install a car seat, helping teenage drivers navigate the road, teaching kids how to outwit bullies or whipping students into shape at boot camp, Ansonia police officer Michael Barry is renowned for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Barry, with the department since 2006 and serving as Ansonia High School’s School Resource Officer, recently added another award to his ever-growing collection for his volunteerism with Griffin Hospital’s Safe Kids Program.

“I did not know I was receiving an award until I was presented with it,” he said. “I am truly honored to be recognized, but I have to give the credit to Cathi (Kellett) because she makes these programs possible with her tireless work. I am only there to help and for that I am so thankful. I also need to recognize the Ansonia Police Administration led by Chief Hale. I would not have the opportunity to help without their tremendous support”

Kellett said this is the first year the Safe Kids Program is handing out awards, and Barry was the perfect choice as one of the first recipients. Michele Holovach and Jamie Peterson of TEAM,Inc also received awards.

Kellett added that no matter the event, be it a community health fair or a school function, Barry is always there to lend a helping hand.

“Officer Barry offers his guidance, support, expertise and most of all his time to bring quality programs to our community to ensure safe, happy and healthy children and families,” Kellett said.

Police Chief Kevin Hale lauded Barry for his work.

“I would say that Mike goes above and beyond on most everything that he does, especially working with our youth,” said Hale. “We are very fortunate to have officer Mike Barry as a part of this department, as are the students, staff and parents of Ansonia’s school system.”

Hale said as the SRO, Barry has been running a successful morning “boot camp” program for the past several years, where students who might otherwise receive an out-of-school suspension have to report to the school gym at 6 a.m., four mornings a week, to work out with Barry.

The workouts include some martial arts training and a great deal of physical fitness work.

“Often, students will stay with his program long after their disciplinary period has run out,” Hale said. “There are times where Mike will come in early just to pick up some of those students who may not have a ride. He has also mentored many students over the years, both through a formalized mentoring program, and in one on one counseling sessions. However, to be very clear, officer Barry will take charge of any situation and take appropriate legal action when called for, and AHS students know that there is a certain line that they cannot cross with him.”

Barry is also involved with the city’s Juvenile Review Board, which is partnered with neighboring Derby, and gives young people an alternative to entering the juvenile court system.

Barry is no stranger to racking up awards, and is always humbled to receive them. In 2012, he received the police department’s highest honor, The Brian F. Phipps Memorial Award of Excellence for his work with high school kids, and this year was honored with a Nick Collicelli Legacy Award, for his outstanding dedication to city youth.

Barry, while not available for comment late Thursday, had said he loves coming to work every day and if he can make a difference in just one kids’ life, it’s all worthwhile.